About the Major

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology is both a preparation for advanced study and a terminal liberal arts degree.

The total number of units required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology is 120 units, of which 50-52 units are in the major depending on the courses selected (Note: This applies to undergraduate students who begin at Cal State LA in Fall 2016 or later. For more information, see Semester and Quarter requirements below). Consult with an advisor for the specific number of units required in all areas of the degree including GE and free electives.

Advisement in the Major

SEMESTER - REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR(For students who started at Cal State LA in Fall 2016 or later)

Requirements for the Major (50-52 units)

The major requires a lower division core of 9 units, an upper division core of 14-15 units and 27-28 units of electives from designated categories as explained below. All Psychology majors must receive a grade of C- or higher in all psychology courses.

Upper Division Core Courses (14-15 units)

Upper Division Electives (27-28 units)

Select two courses each from Groups I-IV (24 units). Select any one additional course from Groups I-V (3-4 units). A total of three units of courses listed in the Applied Psychology/Community Engagement Category can be taken toward fulfillment of upper division elective requirements and applied to any group.

Psychology has 'Major Specific Admission Requirements.' What does this mean?

» If you are interested in applying to Cal State LA as an incoming freshmen or transfer student, please review the information regarding Major Specific Admission Requirements for the psychology major. If you have questions about these requirements, you can contact the Office of Admissions at (323) 343-3901, send an email to admission@calstatela.edu, or visit the Student Information Center located in Student Affairs, Room 101.

QUARTER - REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR(For students who started at Cal State LA in Summer 2016 or prior)

Requirements for the Major (76-79 units)

The major requires a lower division core of 17 units, an upper division core of 19 to 20 units and 40 to 42 units of electives from designated categories as explained below. All psychology majors must receive a grade of C- or higher in all psychology courses.

Upper Division Core Courses (19-20 units)

Upper Division Electives (40-42)

Select two courses each from Groups I-IV (32 units). Select any two additional courses from Groups I-V (8-10 units). A total of four units of courses listed in The Applied Psychology / Community Engagement Category can be taken toward fulfillment of upper division elective requirements and applied to any group.